Understanding decision-making in anorexia nervosa using brain imaging techniques
Official title: Characterizing Decision-Making in Anorexia Nervosa Under Conditions of Risk and Ambiguity using Computational Neuroimaging
Funded at Hofstra University · NIH-10580198 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how young women with anorexia nervosa make decisions, especially when things are uncertain, to better understand their thought processes and help improve treatment options.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R15 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Hofstra University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Hempstead, United States) |
| Project start | April 1, 2023 |
| Project end | March 31, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2023 |
| Award (this year) | $348,726 |
| NIH project number | 1R15MH128896-01A1 |
| Project ID | NIH-10580198 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are young women aged 16-22 who are diagnosed with restricting-type anorexia nervosa.
✕Less likely to help
Patients outside the age range of 16-22 or those with other types of eating disorders may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates how individuals with anorexia nervosa make decisions, particularly under uncertain conditions. By using advanced brain imaging and behavioral tasks, the study aims to identify specific patterns in decision-making that may contribute to the persistence of the disorder. Participants will include young women with anorexia nervosa and healthy controls, allowing for a comparison of decision-making processes. The findings could help clarify the role of risk and ambiguity in anorexia nervosa and inform future treatment strategies.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved understanding and treatment options for individuals suffering from anorexia nervosa.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promise in using computational methods to understand decision-making in various mental health conditions, suggesting potential for success in this novel approach.
Where this research is happening
-
Hofstra University
Hempstead, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Barkley-Levenson, Emily — Hofstra University
- Study coordinator: Barkley-Levenson, Emily
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
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Rule-Based Decision-Making in Anorexia Nervosa
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-
Rule-based decision habits in anorexia nervosa
This project looks at whether rigid, rule-based decision habits keep people with anorexia nervosa stuck in harmful eating and behavior patterns.
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Understanding decision-making in anorexia nervosa
This study is looking at how people with anorexia nervosa make choices and why they might struggle to change their thinking or behavior, with the hope of finding better ways to help them in their recovery.
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Understanding how avoidance affects decision-making in anorexia and bulimia
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This study is exploring how octopuses use their arms to grip things by looking closely at their nervous system and movements, which could help us understand their amazing abilities better.
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NoviGuide for Newborn Care in Pakistan
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About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.